Curator’s statement
In June of 2024, I spent an immersive week in Vienna with the Vienna Tourism Board, getting to know this amazing city and visiting the typical tourist attractions, along with many hidden gems. What I learned is that Vienna should quickly move to the top of everyone’s must-visit list. It is elegant and sophisticated, yet maintains a warmth and friendliness not often experienced in many European cities. A walk through the streets is a walk through a living and incredibly beautiful museum. An excellent alternative to Paris or Rome.
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Things to do in Vienna
Things to do
Guided walking tour
Any visit to Vienna should start with a guided walking tour. Vienna is a very walkable city, but spending a few hours with a Licensed Tourist Guide, either on a group or private tour, on your first day in the city will give you a lay of the land and an understanding of the imperial history you will see at every turn. On a walking tour, you will be sure to see the Hofburg Imperial Palace, a sprawling complex once the main residence of the Hapsburg royal family, and now home to various museums, the Spanish Riding School and the imperial treasury. Other sights will include the 14th-century Gothic-style St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its unique tile roof, the pedestrian-friendly Graben Strasse and Stephansplatz as well as the Iconic Vienna Opera House.
In the footsteps of Empress Sisi
Empress Sisi has often been compared to Princess Diana for her beauty, her love for the people and her tragic death. Walk in the footsteps of Empress Elisabeth and the rest of Hapsburg Family with visits to the Sisi Museum and Royal Apartments, Schönbrunn Palace and the intimate Imperial Treasury. At the Treasury, you will find an impressive collection of jewels to rival London’s Crown Jewels—but without the crowds—including the Treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece and the glorious crown of Emperor Rudolf II.
Museums
In addition to the Imperial Museums, there are dozens of museums in Vienna. Some highlights include the Belvedere Museum, with the most impressive collection of Gustav Klimpt, including “This Kiss,” the newly renovated Wein Museum and the stunning, centrally-located Albertina and Albertina Modern.
Vienna wine hills
Vienna is the only world capital with a major wine growing region within its city limits. After a 15-minute tram ride from the city center, you will be immersed in the wine growing hills of Vienna. Sprinkled throughout the area and the villages below are traditional wine taverns, known as Heurigers. You can spend a day “wine-hiking” through the vineyards and tasting the local Grüner Veltliner and the delightful field blend known as Gemischter Satz; or opt for Heuriger-hopping aboard the Vienna Heurigen Express.
Other activities
Vienna Boys Choir
Immerse yourself in the quintessentially Viennese experience and see the Vienna Boys Choir perform in their home concert hall, MuTh.
Food tour
Vienna is known for its coffeehouse culture—plan a tour around visiting the various coffee shops, sampling pastries and admiring the decor. Taste test until you find the best Sachertorte in the city. Or book a Food Safari to taste your way through the flavors of Vienna.
Green spaces
Vienna is filled with green spaces. Find a bench and admire the views in Burggarten, nestled next to the Imperial Palace and right off the Ringstrasse; walk the rose gardens at Schönbrunn, visit the Volksgarten in the heart of the city; or explore the shores of the Danube Canal, which sports “beach bars” in the summer months.
Spanish Riding School
Visit the home of the world famous Lipizzan Stallions to watch horses “dance” and demonstrate their incredible athleticism; visitors can catch a performance in season, tour the immaculate stables and tack room or view daily morning exercises.
Shopping
Knize - Traditional men’s shop
Altmann & Kühne - Uniquely packaged, "Liliput confectionery" gift chocolates
Kutschkermarkt - Bustling street market
Swarovski Crystal - Austrian-produced crystal jewelry. There is also a Moët & Chandon Bar at the Swarovski Kristallwelten Store.
Mühlbauer Headwear - Hats made with time honored millinery techniques.
Scheer - Swoon-worthy custom shoes and bags made by the former Imperial shoemaker.
Brunnenmarkt - Neighborhood food market
Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe - The oldest fabric store in the city and former Royal Purveyor to the Court. Empress Sisi had her dresses designed here.
JCH Juergen Christian Hoerl - Women's clothing designer offering wonderful, feminine and brightly-colored designs.
Places to eat & drink in Vienna
Skopik & Lohn. Feel like a local at this trendy spot. Order the caeser salad and swoon.
Glasswing. Elevated and inspired Austrian cuisine served in a contemporary setting on the Ringstrasse.
Neue Hoheit. A place to see and be seen, while sampling elegant regional dishes. Request the garden terrace in the warmer months.
Bitzinger Würstelstand. Iconic sausage stand located near Albertina.
Palmenhaus. Located on the edge of the Burggarten, formally the greenhouse of the Imperial family.
Motto am Fluss. Casual and chic, with stellar views over the Danube Canal.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Vienna. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Boston Long Weekend with Kids.